News & events

2015-04-29

Construction on the NordBalt link is coming to an end

80% of the construction of the NordBalt electric power bridge between Lithuania and Sweden has been completed. Installation of the main equipment necessary for converting direct current into alternating current, and vice versa, has been started, and 300 km of HVDC submarine cable has been laid. The transmission of electricity through the link will start in December.
 
“The most expensive energy is the one that was not delivered to our customers on time when badly needed. We must be able to ensure the energy security of our country and the entire region. That’s what the current energy projects are aimed at providing. The NordBalt link with Sweden and LitPol Link with Poland will reduce our dependence on Russian electric power suppliers. With increased energy security, we will also be able to ensure lower energy prices, since electricity is less expensive in Swedish market than in Lithuanian market,” said Rokas Masiulis, Minister of Energy.
 
The NordBalt link will turn Lithuania into a safe and reliable crossroad for the transmission of electricity.
 
“Our well-developed transmission network makes us especially attractive to energy-intensive industries. Other additional benefits will be the ability to attract investors, create new jobs, and increase the competitiveness of Lithuania and the entire region,” commented Daivis Virbickas, Litgrid’s Chairman of the Board and CEO.
 
Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevičius visited the NordBalt convertor’s construction site today, April 28.
 
The increased ability to import electric power will mean more competitive electricity prices. Already now, the prices in forward electricity markets indicate a drop by 13% in 2016, compared to the average price last year.
 
The main equipment is being brought to NordBalt’s converter construction site next to the Klaipėda transformer substation. The converter itself has already been constructed, and only the final landscaping remains to be finished.
 
The cable laying vessel, Topaz Installer, has started to lay the 50 kilometre section, with only a 100 km left to the cost of Sweden. By the end of summer, the cable laying across the sea and the appropriate protection tasks are expected to be finished.
 
The 453 km link between Lithuania and Sweden will be one of the longest HVDC links in the world. It is Lithuania’s first sea link with the Nordic states, and its capacity will be 700 megawatts. The project is being implemented by Litgrid, Lithuania’s electricity transmission system operator, together with Svenska Kraftnat, Sweden’s electricity transmission system operator.